Aluminium Carbonate Extra Pure
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Aluminium Carbonate Extra Pure is a high-purity, white, odorless powder primarily used as a reagent in laboratory settings for analytical and research applications. Though not commonly stable under standard conditions, it is valued in controlled experimental procedures involving the study of aluminum compounds, buffer systems, and inorganic reactions. Its extra pure grade ensures low levels of contaminants, making it suitable for precise qualitative and quantitative analysis. Due to its sensitivity to moisture and tendency to decompose into aluminum hydroxide and carbon dioxide, it must be handled with care and stored in airtight containers under dry conditions to maintain chemical integrity during laboratory use.
USES
Primary Uses
- Analytical Chemistry Reagent
- Used in qualitative analysis involving precipitation reactions and demonstration of carbonate or aluminum ion behavior.
- Preparation of Other Aluminium Compounds
- Serves as a precursor or intermediate in lab synthesis of various aluminum salts (e.g., alum, aluminum hydroxide).
- Buffering & pH-Control Studies
- Applied in experiments that explore weak base behavior and buffer systems involving carbonates.
- Educational Demonstrations
- Used in controlled experiments showing decomposition of carbonates with heat or acid, releasing COâ‚‚ gas.
- Simulated Geological or Environmental Experiments
- Used in soil chemistry studies or laboratory simulations of carbonate mineral reactions.
Secondary Uses
- Study of Thermal Decomposition
- Decomposes upon heating to form aluminum oxide and carbon dioxide—useful in thermal stability experiments.
- Reactivity Investigations in Inorganic Chemistry
- Involved in metal ion exchange, precipitation, and acid-base interaction studies.
- Formulation Testing in Material Science
- Evaluated as a filler or reactive component in prototype materials or ceramics.
- Lab-Scale Neutralization Reactions
- Used to neutralize dilute acids in experimental setups with gentle release of COâ‚‚.
- Ion Exchange or Precipitation Study Models
- Helps visualize solubility equilibria and metal carbonate behavior in aqueous systems.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
- Basic Identification Attributes
Chemical Name: Aluminium Carbonate (IUPAC: Aluminium(III) carbonate)
CAS Number: Not officially assigned — the compound is generally unstable and not commercially available in pure form under this name
HS Code: 28369900 (Other carbonates, excluding sodium, potassium, strontium, barium)
Molecular Formula: Al₂(CO₃)₃
Synonyms:
Aluminum carbonate (non-standard name)
Aluminium(III) carbonate
Basic aluminum carbonate (in some hydrated forms)
Hydrated aluminum carbonate (often used interchangeably)
- Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical State: Solid (powder, if isolated)
Color & Odor: White to off-white powder; odorless
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Melting Point: Decomposes with release of COâ‚‚
Density/Specific Gravity: ~2.1–2.5 g/cm³ (estimated)
Solubility:
Water: Decomposes, forming aluminum hydroxide and carbon dioxide
Organic Solvents: Insoluble
pH Level: Alkaline upon decomposition
Vapor Pressure & Volatility: Non-volatile
Flash Point: Not flammable
Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
Viscosity: Not applicable (solid)
- Safety & Hazard Attributes (Laboratory Context)
Hazard Class (GHS):
Not classified as hazardous
Can cause mild irritation to eyes and respiratory tract if inhaled as dust
NFPA Ratings:
Health: 1
Flammability: 0
Reactivity: 1
Exposure Limits:
No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for Al₂(CO₃)₃ specifically
Reactivity:
Unstable in aqueous solution
Reacts with acids to release carbon dioxide
Hydrolyzes in water to aluminum hydroxide
- Storage & Handling Attributes (Lab Conditions)
Storage Conditions:
Store in a tightly sealed container
Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated chemical storage cabinet
Incompatible Materials:
Acids (releases COâ‚‚)
Moisture (hydrolyzes readily)
Container Type:
Amber or HDPE containers with moisture barrier
Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
Relatively short shelf life due to instability in humid conditions (1–2 years if dry)
Special Handling Requirements:
Minimize dust generation
Use gloves, goggles, and dust mask in powder-handling areas
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes (Lab-grade use)
Regulatory Status:
Not a listed hazardous substance
Used occasionally in academic and research settings for theoretical or demonstration purposes
Hazard Symbols (GHS Pictograms):
None required
Transportation Restrictions:
Not regulated for transport
Waste Disposal Method:
Dispose of as non-hazardous inorganic chemical waste
Neutralize if necessary and follow institutional disposal protocol
- Environmental & Health Impact
Ecotoxicity:
Low aquatic toxicity; decomposes to non-toxic aluminum hydroxide
Persistence in Environment:
Not persistent due to hydrolysis
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Biodegradability:
Inorganic compound — not biodegradable but environmentally neutral upon breakdown
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear laboratory gloves (e.g., nitrile), safety goggles, and a lab coat.
- Use a dust mask or fume hood if powder becomes airborne.
- Handling:
- Avoid generating dust and prevent contact with eyes and skin.
- Handle inside a well-ventilated area or fume hood.
- Use standard lab tools (e.g., spatulas, weighing boats) to minimize exposure.
- Storage:
- Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated lab cabinet.
- Protect from moisture, acids, and incompatible materials such as strong acids (reacts to release COâ‚‚).
- Hygiene Measures:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before leaving the lab.
- Do not eat, drink, or apply cosmetics in the lab.
FIRST AID MEASURES (Lab Response)
- Inhalation:
- Move the person to fresh air immediately.
- If breathing is difficult, provide oxygen and seek medical help.
- Rinse mouth and nose with water if irritation occurs.
- Skin Contact:
- Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
- Remove any contaminated clothing.
- Seek medical advice if redness or irritation persists.
- Eye Contact:
- Flush eyes gently with water for at least 15 minutes.
- Keep eyelids open during rinsing.
- Get medical attention if discomfort or vision issues persist.
- Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth with water.
- Do not induce vomiting.
- Seek medical attention immediately, especially if symptoms occur.
- Generally low toxicity, but lab-grade material should always be treated cautiously.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES (Lab-Specific)
- Suitable Extinguishing Media:
- Use water spray, dry chemical powder, COâ‚‚, or foam depending on surrounding materials.
- Specific Hazards:
- Aluminium carbonate is not flammable, but may release COâ‚‚ gas when reacting with acids or at high temperatures.
- Decomposition can generate aluminum oxides and other irritants.
- Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
- Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear.
- Firefighting Instructions:
- Isolate fire area and remove any compatible lab chemicals.
- Use extinguishing media appropriate for nearby flammable substances.
- Avoid inhaling fumes from decomposed material.
Related products
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Aluminium Nitrate Extra Pure
Aluminium Potassium Sulphate Hydrated Extra Pure
Ammonia Solution Extra Pure
Ammonium Bromide Extra Pure
- SHORT DESCRIPTION